Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

<p> Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/mr-selfridge/" target="_blank" title="">Mr. Selfridge</a>" which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it was pretty entertaining. I don't think it will capture our hearts and imaginations like "Downton Abbey" has, but then few series will ever have that kind zeitgeist moment. Starring Jeremy Pivens (late of "The Entourage"), "Mr. Selfridge" is the story of the American businessman who conceived of the modern department store with instant markdowns, celebrity endorsements, fabulous display windows, and touchable merchandise. For good or bad, he made shopping a "thing". </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295254/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1364826812784.7024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8610295254_528db502a9.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295506/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="358" id="blogsy-1364826812769.3948" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8610295506_28c98af230.jpg" width="598"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295844/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="397" id="blogsy-1364826812772.085" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8610295844_c7950ba978.jpg" width="598"></a></div> <p> Still going strong, Selfridge's is considered one of the iconic department stores in the world. In the 1950's my mother took a Grand Tour of Europe and when in London, visited the store. There, she purchased one of her most prized possessions, a collection of six beautiful teacups which have always been prominently displayed in her house. Mom and her travel companion Lorraine each purchased 6 cups and saucers which were carefully wrapped and delivered directly to their ship, the United States. Ah, travel was so much more elegant back in the day. I asked her about her shopping experience at Selfridge's and she said it was a lovely store and that all the teacups were displayed out on a counter, very easy to pick up</p> <p> and look at. It's interesting, the concept of shopping with everything behind glass vs. the ability to touch and feel the merch.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610298106/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1364826812788.1333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8610298106_1de018a9f9_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610300650/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="716" id="blogsy-1364826812780.1924" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8610300650_aec3962799_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610302084/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="850" id="blogsy-1364826812777.593" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8610302084_f20202d80b_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8609197431/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="676" id="blogsy-1364826812765.6135" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8609197431_82f249d653_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610307420/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="639" id="blogsy-1364826812757.4229" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8610307420_5c0076bee0.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8609203419/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="830" id="blogsy-1364826812756.8572" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8609203419_1672ea15e2_z.jpg" width="649"></a></div> <p> I've spent my whole life looking at these beautiful teacups and saucers, that have only ever been displayed, not used. Mom has never been a tea drinker and she really did buy them just to look at them. On the one hand, that concept has always frustrated me because I hold the view that these items are made to be used and why not have a daily dose of beauty and elegance? Why always save pretty items like china, silver and crystal for holidays or guests? Are we not good enough ourselves? In the other hand, had my Mom made use of these on a daily basis (or allowed a certain little girl to play teaparty with them) how many would have survived? And even if they were all in tact, the decoration on the cups would likely be showing wear after all these years. </p> <p>So, what do you think? Use it and possibly lose it? Or preserve memories in pristine condition. </p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series " Mr. Selfridge " which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it ...

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A Random Little Friday Pretty

<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> have two recently published articles on <a href="http://networx.com/">Networx.com</a> that I wanted to share. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.networx.com/article/eight-luxe-wastebaskets" target="_blank">Eight Luxe Wastebaskets</a> - including a doozy from <a href="http://store.waterworks.com/catalog/product/view/id/2561/s/etoile-round-waste-can/category/25/" target="_blank">Waterworks</a> that costs more that most mortgage payments (but it's sure purty!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/designer-picks-luxe-wastebaskets/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh98bLaDIvbn7Ft51x9Kymv6h2CYaWcKLroU_6hMvJ9Mm53f7ObnfF_E6cQia0nfRwnDWUQQ-3C7iU8BF1nr7AMqoJAuHpiNZwhZjzgsf_1X-eFCUMKZoIRSMztXvjjUtCXZTYdJ4BJQpq/s640/Pinterest+Luxe+wastebaskets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.networx.com/article/designer-picks-graphic-rugs-for-modern" target="_blank">Designers Picks: Eight Graphic Rugs for Modern Spaces</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/designer-picks-graphic-rugs-modern-decor/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaNdf1rWttD9Fh9lOWJehCntzsHYxRQz1h_K9aoPc1fs1MsRKRk0Cx6DUbdhJQVXuMAO4Gm9ko_QU_s21xgvRhTaeAbSEOFkYAtxFY18L6toj3RKE2ebK1Ku85Ot1UqxpjUsk-JwUpYQo/s640/Pinterest+graphic+rugs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>s I've mentioned before, I use Pinterest to gather my thoughts and collect product ideas for each article I write. Not every item makes the final cut, but if you'd like to see the entire grouping, click on the Pinterest graphics above to go to the specific boards.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyNgSihROqrb9RYRDGBES-pT0sZLgGWdDy0v3HInBuK3vDfF7QYcPq2lvFNX798ZuOpbQuhDKbC3hyew7NCCJL4cv32CFSiXj9gB9IY4pnmGNbvbrBThTF6fmKnYty6uWNYOA-1Ne4ps8/s1600/Emmy+Rossum+BHOAA+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyNgSihROqrb9RYRDGBES-pT0sZLgGWdDy0v3HInBuK3vDfF7QYcPq2lvFNX798ZuOpbQuhDKbC3hyew7NCCJL4cv32CFSiXj9gB9IY4pnmGNbvbrBThTF6fmKnYty6uWNYOA-1Ne4ps8/s1600/Emmy+Rossum+BHOAA+4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span>peaking of pretty, I don't do fashion on this blog, but I came across this bag on <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/03/emmy-rossum-in-beverly-hills.html" target="_blank">Tom + Lorenzo</a> and all I can say is "hello lover!" With our crazy early <strike>Summer</strike> Spring we're having, a pretty bag such as this would be fantastic, wouldn't it??? This is the <a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3306560&cp=1760782.1760963&ab=int_082509_WShoesAccessories_Handbags&parentPage=family&camp=affiliate_k186085&ganpid=Skimlinks&ganlid=Primary&utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Skimlinks&utm_campaign=Primary&utm_term=Ban" target="_blank">Crocodile Ricky Bag</a> from Ralph Lauren. Let's just say that it makes the Waterworks wastebasket look like a steal. A girl can dream...<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>appy weekend!<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

A Random Little Friday Pretty

I have two recently published articles on Networx.com that I wanted to share. Eight Luxe Wastebaskets - including a doozy from Waterworks...

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Missoni home fashions at Target

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2q1C4ved-0owhCO9mX_HeMKt7wAcs_SZGs7IEljnZH_3lH4hLKML5oTOCD-EJA5NhRe_c8y8-88Cirn2vREZkUKkHDib5VjDsyMBMyfI8P7Cm_eeQJR9PJ2nlzG8WkL-EUiK5ggcJQKq/s1600/missoni+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2q1C4ved-0owhCO9mX_HeMKt7wAcs_SZGs7IEljnZH_3lH4hLKML5oTOCD-EJA5NhRe_c8y8-88Cirn2vREZkUKkHDib5VjDsyMBMyfI8P7Cm_eeQJR9PJ2nlzG8WkL-EUiK5ggcJQKq/s400/missoni+logo.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> is <span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">partnering with <a href="http://www.missoni.com/">Missoni</a>, </span>the iconic knitwear empire recognized as a symbol of Italian luxury,<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> to introduce an affordable, limited-edition collection for fashion and home. The is the largest limited-time designer collection to date for Target. The products will only be available September 13th through October 22nd with some items available through December, as available. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z7nT8GSwv7f2NHCB7vVhh1Q_NyL6-5YIzV4Hx_52KygEdqlvdxkxHb0oVyAKJCzObwhdCP4FIvQcOYYpxnb-RUL_lALkFbnZ60df-5IqfGhCdEBdfL9uGj-trdQ5azDKx3iy4_o3_5S3/s1600/Missoni1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z7nT8GSwv7f2NHCB7vVhh1Q_NyL6-5YIzV4Hx_52KygEdqlvdxkxHb0oVyAKJCzObwhdCP4FIvQcOYYpxnb-RUL_lALkFbnZ60df-5IqfGhCdEBdfL9uGj-trdQ5azDKx3iy4_o3_5S3/s640/Missoni1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuTaQ2dPFfygJveHIp0zgvJgtwocimbt-NhxefQK4BKuBdQxfT_PlyQbrU-T-1ZrthOqpYOrja6R0r0IeMgctYYOek5antgwJVPTSJNIoWVBns1eeh6o3A01sqC23FXzKbLHxwOEDqBGP/s1600/missoni2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuTaQ2dPFfygJveHIp0zgvJgtwocimbt-NhxefQK4BKuBdQxfT_PlyQbrU-T-1ZrthOqpYOrja6R0r0IeMgctYYOek5antgwJVPTSJNIoWVBns1eeh6o3A01sqC23FXzKbLHxwOEDqBGP/s640/missoni2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZXqD40s_tI1GmlwdfZqT6JX2YN_XpaTXG9DNT3yP71bTt_IaaxECf_8yH6_VHpjPzZeHts5kHr9B2I_VWct9_ceZXCVLbEIWsYMdplyOTWsZzpOW4Jfg2a8UvQRaoDjz8sFrnwJw3KVf/s1600/missoni3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZXqD40s_tI1GmlwdfZqT6JX2YN_XpaTXG9DNT3yP71bTt_IaaxECf_8yH6_VHpjPzZeHts5kHr9B2I_VWct9_ceZXCVLbEIWsYMdplyOTWsZzpOW4Jfg2a8UvQRaoDjz8sFrnwJw3KVf/s640/missoni3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jhH5lk_8gWgJ2wcrSjyesyY9YA15poATa7i68YBYhE8wjWGLrhjaCr-kK04IqQVjla1vFNhQthCU4JoaUk5gcx7jn0NvZIjpPNXhvw8qNRon5S91KTF3wOiiqhAPapzH3fQZkeDNPbiF/s1600/missoni4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jhH5lk_8gWgJ2wcrSjyesyY9YA15poATa7i68YBYhE8wjWGLrhjaCr-kK04IqQVjla1vFNhQthCU4JoaUk5gcx7jn0NvZIjpPNXhvw8qNRon5S91KTF3wOiiqhAPapzH3fQZkeDNPbiF/s640/missoni4.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_iZgai8YCsyMSTAdRVkdMLjZOn4VTu4A1UURQOttNA5CFRzxL_r0ITjm0_szmWuO2eUMjRXmnAHgPMnFURVrlJ-ygWzyRCltX4b-xZ9AmcL2dmDBYhK9m_MNWKE0NVPMus7fE21ZDa_d/s1600/missoni5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_iZgai8YCsyMSTAdRVkdMLjZOn4VTu4A1UURQOttNA5CFRzxL_r0ITjm0_szmWuO2eUMjRXmnAHgPMnFURVrlJ-ygWzyRCltX4b-xZ9AmcL2dmDBYhK9m_MNWKE0NVPMus7fE21ZDa_d/s640/missoni5.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ9ISN_iCRR-1EwJ97tWgtaf1_J7lRcWTfmsVt0yeWbmsA4lS42sp7sgE6LkUWTATUELLlR240daNlms7ancnUFUajlwOUqjdubAPanTWDvs3JuOEeWlq2rJRlLYB44oNQHtVY9XvFvd4/s1600/missoni6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ9ISN_iCRR-1EwJ97tWgtaf1_J7lRcWTfmsVt0yeWbmsA4lS42sp7sgE6LkUWTATUELLlR240daNlms7ancnUFUajlwOUqjdubAPanTWDvs3JuOEeWlq2rJRlLYB44oNQHtVY9XvFvd4/s640/missoni6.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFBMwcwn8VqtFjP2ttDrgdhbAtAT1Up4OuwjbWs5LnjqA3WUiOZHlZVF81VydiLwxwwJYX7RsIB1LidXM7KxBvdtvch6k0MZNcePb9o5OeYJ8SLp281oT3Me_Z_KDCXTCGJSc7G8nvOHZ/s1600/missoni7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFBMwcwn8VqtFjP2ttDrgdhbAtAT1Up4OuwjbWs5LnjqA3WUiOZHlZVF81VydiLwxwwJYX7RsIB1LidXM7KxBvdtvch6k0MZNcePb9o5OeYJ8SLp281oT3Me_Z_KDCXTCGJSc7G8nvOHZ/s640/missoni7.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love, love, love this travel tote and may have to pick one up!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv22LJO_3Tn3os4ID2AW9QDm7l60yUpyEw46FGmDgG4_ol89moKJsF6YWVrMNmZqoKfecN0rKqfdS37G3SHNiF7O_bZjmbbF3bdefneIRVVMGm6G6ZLGem9fH88c76cBllzl35lstyMeBC/s1600/missoni8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv22LJO_3Tn3os4ID2AW9QDm7l60yUpyEw46FGmDgG4_ol89moKJsF6YWVrMNmZqoKfecN0rKqfdS37G3SHNiF7O_bZjmbbF3bdefneIRVVMGm6G6ZLGem9fH88c76cBllzl35lstyMeBC/s640/missoni8.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The clothes for women, girls and baby are all very adorable as well. You can see more of their Look Book <a href="http://tgtfiles.target.com/lookbook_missoni2011?ref=sr_shorturl_lookbook_missoni2011#">here</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Missoni home fashions at Target

Target is partnering with Missoni , the iconic knitwear empire recognized as a symbol of Italian luxury, to introduce an affordable, limit...

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Mailbox finds

I receive a lot of mail with a lot of product pitches. So, every month or so, I have to clean out my inbox! Here's a round up of my favorite items that came floating into my in-box over the last six weeks or so. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs283.snc3/27807_10150194234690621_335834340620_12998876_5498248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs283.snc3/27807_10150194234690621_335834340620_12998876_5498248_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>How fantastic is this Peacock toile by <a href="http://www.suzannetuckerhome.com/textile/1001">Suzanne Tucker Home</a>? Love it! (actually, this is a Facebook find, not a mailbox one, but hey...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katherinerally.com/dupps_family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.katherinerally.com/dupps_family.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katherinerally.com/pics/napkins/napkins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.katherinerally.com/pics/napkins/napkins.JPG" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.katherinerally.com/">Katherine Rally</a> is an American couple with homes in Bali and Colorado. Their bright and snappy textiles, pillows and accessories are available through many US showrooms. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wall-pops.com/Images/wallPopsImages/design-ideas/classic/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wall-pops.com/Images/wallPopsImages/design-ideas/classic/38.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wall-pops.com/data/default/images/catalog/large/PL160360%20Room%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.wall-pops.com/data/default/images/catalog/large/PL160360%20Room%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Randolf, MA based <a href="http://www.wall-pops.com/">WallPops </a>isn't the only wall decal company out there, but what they have is pretty sweet. J'adore La Tour!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyFcSSyZ1e3x1MBh50Zn9aIh1AcABXsVZ_8SYWOJRTNKb0aRjl3S1g2wNQVOAsOMryoMLrgRI8gZ8IvcRYBqSYpKYUzc6s6L10qKif50kLyftAeQ8UPYttdtruOHQ0kV0P0WpQuMOFgDd/s1600/Turner+Pocock+Cazalet_1277866997427.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyFcSSyZ1e3x1MBh50Zn9aIh1AcABXsVZ_8SYWOJRTNKb0aRjl3S1g2wNQVOAsOMryoMLrgRI8gZ8IvcRYBqSYpKYUzc6s6L10qKif50kLyftAeQ8UPYttdtruOHQ0kV0P0WpQuMOFgDd/s400/Turner+Pocock+Cazalet_1277866997427.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">LOVE!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpAFVqjaiTyxWituqlF6EhjrNHtzQ8ZRohi35KGwCFEsiyQN0Bzclpj2Uhbh3bg_c2_7fUiMgIb7vh3E-Na3olU0o6-_rgKwX3Dfcy8lO3tOcTbleCnh_nKuiS-388oi1Y3n2fpEt9_8x/s1600/Snapshot+2010-06-29+23-08-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpAFVqjaiTyxWituqlF6EhjrNHtzQ8ZRohi35KGwCFEsiyQN0Bzclpj2Uhbh3bg_c2_7fUiMgIb7vh3E-Na3olU0o6-_rgKwX3Dfcy8lO3tOcTbleCnh_nKuiS-388oi1Y3n2fpEt9_8x/s400/Snapshot+2010-06-29+23-08-12.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKc-MwrW6s09_j0cuWfh3byd219CUDfJT8mgyX3y9AlyvUnqgC2LU-2oevzQg-db7vePUyNAllS-sSaJ0VCBnPYhNzM9NyUuw5n23-MYqBhl3mRfBmpLemccNHt58n5L50ikt04Wo6akb/s1600/Snapshot+2010-06-29+23-07-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKc-MwrW6s09_j0cuWfh3byd219CUDfJT8mgyX3y9AlyvUnqgC2LU-2oevzQg-db7vePUyNAllS-sSaJ0VCBnPYhNzM9NyUuw5n23-MYqBhl3mRfBmpLemccNHt58n5L50ikt04Wo6akb/s400/Snapshot+2010-06-29+23-07-23.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><a href="http://www.turnerpocockcazalet.co.uk/">Turner Pocock</a> wallpapers are a witty and whimsical take on sporting and animal themes that aren't for kids only! I am totally in love with their styling as well! <a href="http://www.hausinterior.com/">Haus Interior</a> is now stocking their papers in the US.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/products/001_Fabrics/002_Sultans_Suzanni/Colorways/002_Saffron/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/products/001_Fabrics/002_Sultans_Suzanni/Colorways/002_Saffron/main.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/products/001_Fabrics/008_Kaba_Kaba/Colorways/003_Red/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/products/001_Fabrics/008_Kaba_Kaba/Colorways/003_Red/main.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/products/001_Fabrics/007_Marrakech/Colorways/001_Original/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/products/001_Fabrics/007_Marrakech/Colorways/001_Original/main.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hollywoodathome.com/images/textiles/martyn-lawrence-bullard-showroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hollywoodathome.com/images/textiles/martyn-lawrence-bullard-showroom.jpg" /></a></div><br />Designer to the stars <a href="http://www.martynlawrencebullard.com/product.aspx?productType=001_Fabrics&productName=007_Marrakech&id=6&optionId=1">Martyn Lawrence-Bullard </a>has launched a new fabric line that features a spritely collection of colorful graphic and ethnic inspired prints.  His fabrics are available through <a href="http://hollywoodathome.com/martyn-lawrence-bullard-textiles.php">Hollywood at Home</a> Martyn will also be appearing on the upcoming  <i>Million Dollar Decorator</i> on BravoTV with Jeffrey Alan Marks and Kathryn Ireland. Waiting anxiously for this show to air!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QfBdq18nOuw9X2OUAn99dOKw66DxFtr-nU7Od5GbZvb_HczMWyRIYRLXFt_uOByKvB1j8Db3-4HzsYQ9r3Cd1FBOwNdYWXNGC_1RbRbwg_xQ7bJJG7DZVaN0NF68ytABrH49APKKmzOB/s1600/CK_KitchenChair_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QfBdq18nOuw9X2OUAn99dOKw66DxFtr-nU7Od5GbZvb_HczMWyRIYRLXFt_uOByKvB1j8Db3-4HzsYQ9r3Cd1FBOwNdYWXNGC_1RbRbwg_xQ7bJJG7DZVaN0NF68ytABrH49APKKmzOB/s640/CK_KitchenChair_Final.jpg" width="452" /></a></div> Cute traditional chairs at a reasonable price. At <a href="http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/">Cath Kidston</a> in the UK. Unfortunately, these aren't available in the States, but maybe soon?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bemz.com/images/en/dg-puff-stor_en.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bemz.com/images/en/dg-puff-stor_en.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bemz.com/images/designersguild/dg-slide-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://www.bemz.com/images/designersguild/dg-slide-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Designer's Guild and <a href="http://www.bemz.com/">Bemz</a> have teamed up to create a fantastic new line of slipcovers for Ikea and included in the range are iconic Merimekko and Stig Lindberg fabrics. What a great partnership!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6E90VTlMdE_HfZEGtsJs8J7fl-74cwBaWFIAcaBaXqE62m7JdE3zs9UuIdzUhrIWUXV6TuRJjk_gq7huN3ntLKGlDA0KJtaUqVt9ccwDIkmQgbPSDAaZ1y-9O3ttHNKbDKDb6eW2tnQx/s1600/OlioBoard_1277872857438.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6E90VTlMdE_HfZEGtsJs8J7fl-74cwBaWFIAcaBaXqE62m7JdE3zs9UuIdzUhrIWUXV6TuRJjk_gq7huN3ntLKGlDA0KJtaUqVt9ccwDIkmQgbPSDAaZ1y-9O3ttHNKbDKDb6eW2tnQx/s320/OlioBoard_1277872857438.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://olioboard.com/">Olioboard.com</a> is a new online mood board website. These sites are so much fun, but you can spend hours just trying out different ideas. It's a lot of fun and they have a large library of products, but it seems to not allow image sharing, which is a shame. Perhaps they will release that feature. Meanwhile, the image above is a screengrab of the board I created.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Mailbox finds

I receive a lot of mail with a lot of product pitches. So, every month or so, I have to clean out my inbox! Here's a round up of my favo...

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